The video for the sensuous pop lament Apocalypse Calypso is a collaboration between Mika, Studio Job (Netherlands-based atelier of conceptual artist Job Smeets) and director Chris Turner (Favourite Colour: Black). It balances Mika’s exuberant performance with Studio Job’s remarkable creations, which come together in a series of playful vignettes where the singer himself becomes part of the studio’s art.
Director Chris Turner said, “I was given access to a huge selection of beautifully strange artworks to use however I liked: The solid bronze couch (so heavy it needed a forklift to move it) is a sculptural representation of the late designer Jan des Bouvrie’s iconic Cubic sofa; The imposing sculpted angel wing piano created especially for Mika; A glittering globe, hand-crafted from half a million coloured Swarovski crystals. Pumpkin lamps with hand-blown googly eyes. Giant bronze magnifying glasses. We even got to cover Mika head-to-toe with Job’s trademark papier mâché finish. Combine these with Mika’s inimitable style (check out the suit made from 6000 custom-made mirror tiles) and you have a wonderful set of ingredients to work with.”